PM Modi unveils BSNL's 'Swadeshi' 4G network in big push to 'Aatmanirbhar' telecom sector

The PM unveiled the network from Odisha's Jharsuguda bolstering his vision for Digital India and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

The launch also coincides with BSNL's silver jubilee celebrations.

Launching the network, Modi said, "The BJP government uplifts the poor and marginalised. Our strong focus is on providing basic facilities to the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and the deprived.

"We are witnessing that in this program. Today I got the opportunity to hand over the acceptance letters to the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana beneficiaries."

"I have always had faith in the potential of Odisha and the talent of its people. Nature has blessed Odisha with many gifts.

"Odisha has seen decades of poverty, but this decade will take the people of Odisha towards prosperity. For this, our government is bringing major projects to Odisha," he added.

The Prime Minister utilised the occasion to give a fresh call for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the backdrop of tariff war with the US.

Setting the clear agenda of making India "self-reliant", the PM said, "It is our resolve that from chip to ship, India must be self-reliant in everything. Any country that wants to be economically strong gives great importance to shipbuilding. Whether it is trade, technology, or national security, shipbuilding provides benefits in every field."

The PM on Saturday commissioned 97,500 mobile 4G towers which are built by BSNL.

The towers include 92,600 sites that feature the new technology.

He stated that a vast industrial corridor is being developed from Paradip to Jharsuguda. Emphasizing the strategic importance of shipbuilding, he noted that any nation aspiring for economic strength must invest in this sector, as it benefits trade, technology, and national security. Shri Modi explained that having indigenous ships ensures uninterrupted import-export operations even during global crises.

The Prime Minister announced a major initiative by their government—a ₹70,000 crore package for shipbuilding in India.
He projected that this would attract ₹4.5 lakh crore in investments, reaching sectors such as steel, machinery, electronics, and manufacturing, especially benefiting small and cottage industries. He highlighted that this would generate millions of new jobs and bring significant advantages to Odisha’s industries and youth.

“India has taken a significant step towards self-reliance,” exclaimed Modi, recalling that when telecom services like 2G, 3G, and 4G were introduced globally, India lagged behind and remained dependent on foreign technology for these services.

He emphasized that such a situation was not suitable for the country, which led to a national resolve to develop essential telecom technologies indigenously.

The Prime Minister expressed pride that BSNL has successfully developed a fully indigenous 4G technology within India.

He lauded BSNL’s dedication, perseverance, and expertise in creating this milestone. He further highlighted that Indian companies have now positioned India among the select five countries in the world that possess completely indigenous technology to launch 4G services.

The Prime Minister noted the coincidence that BSNL is celebrating its 25th anniversary today.

On this historic occasion, he highlighted that through the dedicated efforts of BSNL and its partners, India is advancing towards becoming a global telecom manufacturing hub. He stated that it is a matter of pride for Odisha that BSNL’s indigenous 4G network is being launched from Jharsuguda, comprising nearly one lakh 4G towers.

These towers are set to usher in a new era of connectivity across remote regions of the country.

Modi emphasized that the expansion of 4G technology will directly benefit over two crore people nationwide.

He added that approximately thirty thousand villages, which previously lacked high-speed internet access, will now be connected through this initiative.